He was born Nov. 1, 1964, in Kenosha, Wis., the son of Leonard and Rita (nee Bertrand) Ruleford.

Paul attended Kenosha-area schools, and was a graduate of Jefferson High School. He moved to Florida in 2012. While living in Kenosha, he was employed at IFC/International Filing Company for 18 years, and was previously employed with Kenosha Beef. In Florida, he was employed with Golf Contours Inc. in Punta Gorda.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Kenosha. Paul was a talented artist, and the outdoor life and animals were often his favorite subjects. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and the great outdoors. He enjoyed the long Florida summer for riding his motorcycle to the beach and watching a sunset. However he missed the chilly fall and hunting with his family in Northern Wisconsin. He was a self-proclaimed “Cheesehead,” “Youper” and “Packer Backer.”

At 6’3”, he appeared intimidating, but was always quick to smile or laugh. He was tough on the outside, but kind of the heart. He would howl at the moon one minute and hug a grandchild the next. Paul liked a good practical joke, and always looked for an opportunity to laugh and bring a light side to nearly any type of situation. He will be remembered as a dedicated family man, who loved spending time with his kids and grandchildren. He always looked forward to the next possible opportunity to chat and see them.

Paul is survived by his three beautiful children, Paul (Jessica), Andrew and Hannah, all of Kenosha; his two adoring grandchildren, Noah and Landon; brother, Jeff of Punta Gorda; his two sisters, Debra (Dan) Johnson of Pembine, Wis., and Catherine (Carl) Eisen of Punta Gorda; his canine companion, Molly “Get owa-dare”; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Paul will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, at Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Kenosha. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 7400 39th Ave., Kenosha. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at the church for the Mass. Private inurnment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Menominee, Mich. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to the family would be appreciated. Online condolences can be offered at www.piasecki-althaus.com.

Arrangements are by Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Kenosha.